It was in the wee early morning hours that Rey opened her eyes – still sluggish with fatigue, perceiving the subtle hints of sunlight piercing their way through the drawn shades in the West wing. It was now the official day she and Ben, and the remaining palace staff, would journey to the palace in Hanna City; rather precisely the day before Ben's coronation as Chandrila's crowned King.

Rubbing the sleep from her eyes with a palm, lying on her side, her focus settled upon the sleeping figure next to her. All irritation softened as she watched the muscles of his back and shoulders rise and fall from his position on his stomach; his arms enveloped underneath the pillow with his face nearly buried into it. Her eyes perceived how the muscles in his biceps bulged further beyond the sleeves of his shirt that clung tightly to his excessive broad frame.

Her eyes roamed over his face, never before noticing how boyish his face appeared when sleeping. How his hair that framed his face was now slightly disarray with noticeable bed head. Listening to his muffled snores prompted the corners of Rey's mouth to curl up into a smile. How he could be a descendant of the most powerful dark Force user that ever lived and possess such tenderness always managed to render her speechless.

She snorted low and soft at her mindset back when she declared that getting to know him could never happen. How impossibly long ago it seemed even though it was only a few months as winter turned to spring. Yet, the love and adoration she harbored for him now rendered her craving him constantly with a wholesome need to kiss him senseless.

Careful as to not wake him she brushed a chunk of hair draping over his face to the side, her fingers gently grazed his forehead. But as always, she couldn't stop there. She had to keep touching him for fear he'd disappear entirely. Perhaps it was out of habit she inadvertently acquired at the orphanage. How she'd claim something to be hers only to have it instantaneously slip through her fingers like feeble grains of sand. With a gentle tenderness she lightly traced her finger over the subtle arch of his eyebrow, and further trailed it down the prominent outline of his jaw before consciously raking her fingers through his hair.

At her touch Ben stirred from sleep, groaning softly. His eyes fluttered open just enough to see the blurry form of her through his lashes. He shifted onto his side, facing her, and raised his arm off the bed just high enough to invite her closer to him.

Rey slid to him, happily enveloping herself in his embrace as she settled just slightly below his chin before feeling his arm lazily drape over her waist. She always welcomed his warmth. She buried her face into his chest, inhaling the faint musky scent of him.

Ben caught a trace of her shampoo as his senses began to arouse, humming contentedly. Feeling the cool, silky texture of her nightgown underneath his fingertips as his hand glided down her back to just below the subtle curvature, pausing just above the small of her back as his fingers absentmindedly massaged the fabric against her skin.

Rey sighed contentedly as a melodious 'hmm' passed through her lips in acknowledgment to his welcoming touch.

"Hi," she greeted serenely.

A subtle smile played across his lips at hearing the warmth of her voice. "Hi," he stated simply as his voice sounded raspy from the sleep still lingering within him.

"I didn't mean to wake you," she admitted softly. Her voice hushed by the fabric against his chest. But judging by the morning wood of his arousal poking into her abdomen it was blatantly clear that he wasn't about to protest.

Rey felt his chin move against her scalp as he placed a tender kiss at the crest of her head. Where his hand had once been on her back he moved it to carefully comb his fingers through her hair away from the side of her face. "I don't mind."

A tired smile crept across her lips, sighing as she felt his lips just barely move against her as he spoke. She selfishly wished she could stay wrapped up in him for the remainder of the morning. Moments like this had come far in between as of lately with further obligations, and with the coronation being a day's time away it was sure to become more hectic as everyone scuttled about with last minute preparations.

Rey couldn't have been any prouder of him at such an important moment in his life. Ben, on the other hand, was far less enthused. He always insisted that it was only him despising having to be among aristocrats that heavily catered to such events. But something in this case told her there were far deeper intonations within his meaning.

"Ready for tomorrow?" She inquired, arching her neck slightly to better see his expression.

Ben grimaced as he deliberated over the right words that could properly describe his annoyance towards all the pomp and circumstance. He had been preparing for months for this inevitable moment; one that had been long awaited since the day he had become legible to ascend the throne. Although he occasionally had those daunting thoughts of how he would manage to run and fix a country that had been under the pressure of the First Order when there were times he struggled keeping his own shit intact. The idea of becoming Chandrila's king wasn't necessarily what warped his stomach into knots as the day swiftly approached. More less it was the significance of where the event was essentially being held.

Years had gone by since he'd last resided at the palace in Hanna City. Furthermore, he'd fled the following day from which the fateful moment he had damned himself to the curse. Now, that he was being forced to return to the same chambers where he had killed his father triggered a staggering assault of emotions that not even Rey's love could save him from. Unfortunately, no matter how hard he tried there were some memories that he simply could not let go of, even though at some point he knew he had to.

"It's nothing more than an elaborate gathering of the galaxy's prospering flatterers to celebrate an additional prefix to my name," he stated with indifference. "There's nothing to prepare for really; nothing that hasn't already been done before."

Rey scoffed at the coldness behind his words. Her concern showed imminently through the crease in her brows, propping herself up on her elbow she rose to meet his gaze.

"It's so much more than that, Ben. You know that," she stated earnestly. "Your people respect you, look up to you, so why the sudden aversion?"

Ben stared wordlessly back at her. When in truth the sole reason being that he was to take over his father's position had only served as a harsh reminder why Han was no longer here. Providing it wasn't as if she didn't already know the truth behind his curse. Surprisingly, he was rather relieved that she did know, and had accepted him regardless: which was still quite a bit of a shock to say the least.

Perhaps, he was holding onto the incessant whispers that Snoke had forced into his mind for the majority of his life. After being told that he was pathetic - weak for his inability to fulfill an ancestor's legacy, opening up to anyone in regards to his doubts were assuredly going to take more time than he was willing to admit. Even if Rey was more than eager to understand, which he knew she was; always loved the challenge of trying to mend what should've been impossible to fix.

Propping himself on his elbow he met her intense gaze with that of his own. His eyes settled on the rosy-colored flesh of her lips. Bringing a hand up to her face he lightly grasped her chin, grazing his thumb over her bottom lip in thought.

"I'm sorry." He admitted softly, offering her a crooked smile in assurance. "Just nervous I suppose. I'm just glad you're here with me. It will surely make dealing with the galaxy's social climbers more bearable."

Rey considered him momentarily. While he had spent years concealing his emotions behind the mask's façade it was more than apparent that Ben was having difficulty maintaining the front. There was something he harbored deep within that he wasn't willfully sharing - a conflict lying within his eyes as his too readable face enabled her to effortlessly read him like one of the books from her library.

She knew it was always best to drop the topic at hand rather than press him further for answers. Sooner or later Ben would open up to her at his own accord. Rey smiled indulgently as she nodded with acceptance, sensing the relief within him that he was reprieved from further engaging the initial topic.

Ben cocked his head subtly; not once breaking their eye contact until his lips met hers. Closing his eyes, he focused his thoughts on the feeling of her soft lips moving leisurely with his while each kiss lasted moments longer as he pressed desirably for more, craving her taste as if his existence depended entirely on her touch.

Rey cupped her hand to his jaw; grazing it back to his hair she threaded her fingers within his mass amount of obsidian locks. She massaged his scalp in such tenderness with the short tips of her nails.

His hand left her face for the small of her back as he pressed her steadily against him, making the discomfort of his erection all the more prominent and intensifying the enjoyable ache purposely rising between her legs. A moan in gratification resonated tranquilly through her lips as she felt his hips instinctively buck against hers.

Cupping his hand just below her jaw, Ben gently urged her back onto the pillows. Chasing her lips their tongues moved aggressively sloppy with the other. Breaking the kiss, he began his descent by placing a delicate kiss to her jaw as he trailed further down to her pulse point; each kiss lasting longer as he gradually began to tenderly suck her skin.

"Ben," she sighed breathily, her hand trailed down the plane of his back as she savored the feeling of his plush lips against her. "We shouldn't – they're expecting us soon." Becoming too wholly engrossed in the feeling she no longer could coherently speak a complete sentence in regards to their importance of attendance in Hanna City.

Ben broke his attention to consider her. "We have time," he assured before returning his lips to her earlobe. The feeling of his mouth barely grazing her skin was enough to send a chill down her spine. With a raspy voice he whispered serenely as his lips brushed her ear, "They can wait - just relax. I want to try something..."

Rey swallowed thickly as she curtly nodded in acknowledgment. Her pulse began to increase. Her breathing becoming more rapid as his mouth trailed down the duration of her neck to the prominent jut of her collar bone, noting how perceptive he was to the areas in which provoked her repressed whimpers.

Her fingers combed through his hair, gathering some in a gentle tug whenever he managed to come across more sensitive areas of her skin. His lips lingered longer as his teeth softly skimmed across her, marking her in every way possible to further prove she was his.

Her thighs trembled in anticipation at the excessive amount of pleasure coursing through her core. She needed him, longed for him to be inside of her in any way to further ease the throbbing ache of desire.

A faint moan escaped her lips as his mouth descended to the swell of her breast, grazing ever so gently across the silky fabric of her nightgown while his hand paid attention to the opposite side. He issued it a tender squeeze as his kisses edged along her cleavage.

"B-Ben," she stammered with shuddered breaths, biting her lip she reveled in the gratifying dull ache whenever he'd squeeze her breast tenderly. "Please – need you..." her voice trailed off into a strangled moan. Lost to her hunger for him, further dampening her panties, begging for attention. Her thighs parted slightly, an open-ended gesture for him to tend to where she desired his awareness the most.

The manner in which she spoke his name was almost enough to make him come in his pants. His cock was painfully hard, imploring him to seek her heat for relief. They were both more than ready for the next step, tempting him to take her right then and there to bring them both over the edge of gratification they were intent on.

But Ben hesitated, first wanting to ensure Rey would reach her peak before himself, forcing himself to focus on her in order to ensure it happened. Given that they were already on a diminutive timeframe he wanted that moment to not be rushed. Currently, he wanted nothing more than to worship her like the queen he considered her to be.

Rey watched him intently as he accepted her incentive to give her the pleasure that she sought; purposely shifting his position his hips were now settled between her thighs. She eyed him incredulously, hoping that he wasn't just teasing her before his hands moved to push the hem of her nightgown above her stomach.

Closing her eyes, she relished in the feeling of his lips, trailing down the taut muscles of her abdomen, moaning softly in acceptance. The pressure between her legs became all the more prominent the moment his lips met the fabric of her lingerie. His eyes deviated up towards her, taking in her shuddered reaction for encouragement as his thumb grazed over the dampness that protruded through the thin fabric. Her back arched as a whimper escaped her lips.

"May I?" The timbre behind his inquiry was so gentle it could've only resembled that of a boy in his adolescence as he tentatively asked her permission to proceed further.

Worrying her bottom lip between her teeth all Rey could do was nod her consent to further avoid sounding imprudent, knowing that her ability to properly think and speak at the moment had been left scattered to the breeze.

Ben swallowed heavily, feeling his own pulse spike in tempo as he hooked his thumbs under the lingerie's narrow sides, leisurely gliding them over her knees to her ankles. His cock twitched as he took in the delicate pink folds of her clit; already slick with her arousal he could only stare in awe as he waited for his brain to finally catch up to his wants.

Rey scoffed as she waited anxiously for him to enact further. Why was he just sitting there?

"I – is something wrong?" She inquired timidly.

Ben directed his gaze to her. "Fuck no, Rey," he stated brashly as he caressed her inner thighs with his hands. "You're perfect."

Rey's cheeks flushed pink, feeling slightly humiliated before she felt Ben's lips trail up her thigh. Pressing her head back further into the pillows she closed her eyes, relishing the feeling of his mouth before she felt - Oh!

She gasped as she felt his tongue graze over her slit. His hands gingerly gripped her hips, holding her in place as his tongue flicked repeatedly against her.

Oh – Gods! Her hands gripped the pillows propped behind her, arching her back to press further into him. Her body sunk into the mattress. Her reverberating moans of satisfaction resembled the likes of a purr as she felt his tongue leisurely lap at her in wide strokes. Flashes of light streaked across the backs of her eyelids, as if she were somehow traveling amongst the stars at the speed of light.

"Ben," she gasped; the essence of his touch prompted her body to squirm when he hit that spot. "Yes - right there." She further encouraged.

Pleased with her reaction, a satisfying grin curled across his lips. Keeping one hand to her waist, his other gently stroked her nub while the tip of his tongue teased her further, coaxing her to climax as her incoherent praises fell inaudible under her whimpers.

Rey dug her fingers into the pillows as she felt that boiling internal pressure reach higher. Her toes curled into the sheets as his tongue greedily lapped her folds, seeking her release as her body shuddered under his touch. A bead of sweat trickled down her forehead as she felt her body reach its peak, sending her forcefully through a wave of ecstasy and deliriously unaware of the sounds escaping her lips.

Ben ran the back of his hand over his mouth, wiping off her moisture as he coaxed her down from her high with his hands rubbing slowly along her torso. Clearly those offhanded moments when Poe begrudgingly offered him advice in regards to the plentiful ways of pleasing a woman – other than the physicality of having sex - had been well and duly noted.

Rey turned her head to acknowledge him as Ben settled back down next to her. A knowing smile played across her lips as she considered the smug grin on his face; all the while eyeing the apparent tent still residing within the fabric of his pants.

Cupping her jaw with his hand Ben searched the irises of her eyes before pressing a tender kiss to her mouth. A soft moan in gratification escaped her lips as her tongue grazed across his upper lip, tasting the lingering flavor of her on his mouth before breaking apart.

"What about you?" She inquired suggestively.

Ben swallowed thickly, knowing he always attempted to dodge the bullet when she wanted to return such intimate gestures. But this time he considered differently. She had always been more than willing to open herself up to him in regards to the intimate status of their relationship. It was only fair that he'd allow her to do the same.

"Only if you want to."

Without much consideration Rey rose up to kneel next to him, worrying her bottom lip between her teeth as she gingerly tugged his waistband down his hips; her pupils blown wide as she took in every inch of his length. He was considerably bigger than she remembered from when they occasionally showered together.

His skin was painfully stretched over his engorged length. But now that the opportunity had presented itself, what in the hell was she suppose to do? Well, besides the apparent reasons that a man's cock was used for; she wasn't that naïve when it came to the short tales of the birds and the bees. For a starting point she tentatively wrapped her fingers around him. His skin was soft and silky, but significantly hard to the touch. A considerable amount of cloudy fluid protruding from its tip prompted her with curiosity to graze her thumb over it, spreading it further across the head.

Ben hissed as her skin came into contact with his already exceedingly sensitivity; unable to suppress the moan resonating from the back of his throat as his hips lurched into her touch.

"Rey..." he growled as his head sunk further back into the pillows. His hands clenched the sheets in fists as he struggled to keep his wits intact. At this point it was most assured that he wasn't going to last much longer; even if it was this early on in the game.

Feeling encouraged by his reaction she began to stroke his shaft leisurely in an up and down motion. The strangled moans, resonating from his direction was a clear sign that apparently what she was doing was right and given the fact that she could quite literally feel him pulsating for release underneath her fingers. But her curiosity wasn't about to stop there.

She considered the pleasures in what Ben had just enacted upon her, and how he would react if she were to do the same for him. Her tongue grazed her lips in thought as she gathered her hair to lie over one shoulder before she bent over him to place a tentative kiss on his tip, noting the sound of his breath hitch at the unexpected motion. Quirking a brow in his direction, she grinned deviously as she attempted to take the action another step further.

This time, she trailed her tongue over him, regarding the abrupt jerk of his hips that this was most assuredly the way to go. Keeping a hand at his hilt her jaw fell lax as she took the head of him into her mouth, remaining aware of his ragged moans of excessive gratification as she sucked leisurely releasing him briefly only to begin again.

It took every ounce of Ben's willpower to not thrust his hips into her mouth as he felt her engulf him. At least his mind had been aware in essence to consider the possibility of choking her inadvertently. Alternatively, he sunk his weight further into the mattress, feeling as if he were about to spontaneously combust at any given moment.

"Oh – fuck," he blurted out as she purposely took a considerable amount of him further into her mouth. The ridges of her teeth gently grazed along his skin as she began to bob incessantly in an up and down motion. The sound of his sporadic heart beat resonated through his ears as he was only able to encourage her further with incoherent words buried beneath moans and grunts.

Rey moaned gratifyingly in response to him, making him shudder as she continued with greater fervor to bring him further towards his climax. She could feel him shudder beneath her: a steady onslaught of convulsions as he groaned her name through panted breaths.

"Rey, I – I'm -,"

Despite his attempt to warn her Rey remained steadfast, and relished herself in the rapture of his orgasm, never letting go as he emptied himself inside her mouth. Her eyes gravitated to his bewildered gaze. His chest was heaving with inertia. His sweat-drenched hair clung to his face, and his eyes nearly bulged from their sockets as he watched her swallow it down.

"Rey - ," his voice still ragged from the vigorous activity he couldn't help but chuckle at her reaction with that of a scrunched up nose.

"It's – different."

"You really didn't have to do that," his voice sounding almost apologetic as he watched her crawl further up to him. Her legs straddled his waist as she rested her weight on her forearms against his chest.

"But I wanted to," she stated with a reassuring grin in satisfaction. "And you clearly weren't about to protest if I may add."

Ben shook his head as a low chuckle resonated deep within his chest. His hands securely gripped her hips as he issued a light slap to her ass cheek. "Your persistence is surely epic, scavenger."

Rey grinned conceitedly before grazing her lips across his. "As I always say: you should know me by now, your worship."

Before Ben could counter an abrupt rap at the door of his chambers immediately prompted them to freeze.

"Ben!" Poe bellowed from the other side. "And I'm taking it that Rey is there as well since she didn't answer her door. The ship's waiting for you. Are you ready?"

Rey scowled at the invisible source behind the door. Cocking her head with a quirked brow she gazed intently at Ben with a look of resentment while he retorted with a humored snort.

"Well," he vindicated without remorse, "it would appear that we're officially late."

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It seemed just like yesterday when Rey arrived to Ben's countryside palace. So many beautiful memories had been created there: ranging from the friendships that had been made to discovering the love of her life. For the foreseeable future it was uncertain as to how long they would be residing within the citadel in Hanna City. All that she knew in regards was that the fundamental margin of Ben's duties as king would take place at the innovative residence.

With one foot placed on the boarding ramp of the Republic Class Royal Starship Rey stole a final glimpse over her shoulder at the palace in which had become her home for the past several months. She was surely going to miss the library Ben had given her; so many countless hours had been contentedly spent in her reading corner next to the fireplace. Many of times in which she had inadvertently fallen asleep with a book in hand only to awake the following morning on the bed of her East wing chambers; although she was more than certain that Ben was accountable for that welcoming gesture.

The feeling of a soft hand affectionately gripping hers brought her attention back to Ben standing in front of her on the boarding ramp, issuing her hand a tender squeeze in acknowledgment of her nostalgia. But judging by the poignant expression lingering on his face Ben, too, was having the same doubts as her. He had been quiet for the remaining hours of the morning during breakfast, seeming more troubled than usual. Rey smiled eloquently as she realized that her home was essentially always going to be with him; no matter the location in which they resided so long as they had each other. Everything else was merely expendable.

With a curt nod she allowed him to steer them within the chic interior of the contemporary starship to the throne room sitting chambers; where they would remain apart from the additional staff while traveling the brief distance to Hanna City.

The closer they drew to the city the more Rey's nostalgia seemed to recede into more complex range of emotions, mainly regarding the indication as to how she would continue fitting in within the more gallant crowd. Nausea unwarrantedly crept its way into her stomach while all she could think about was if Ben would essentially cave to the courtiers' wishes, and further consider someone of the utmost royal blood as his other instead of her.

Gods, this is ridiculous! She wordlessly admitted with a scowl.

She was more than certain that she knew Ben better than that. But she hoped that her inner qualm hadn't been too noticeable as she felt his mind delicately brush against hers. The sensation prompted Rey to turn her attention towards Ben as he considered her with an apparent look of concern; too engrossed in her thoughts to notice he had at some point sat next to her. No words were further needed as she effortlessly offered him a smile for assurance, for his presence alone was enough to hinder every ounce of doubt that either of them could ever consider being with someone else.

"Are you okay?" he inquired with trepidation.

Rey moved her hand on top of his; resting fixedly on his thigh she offered him a tender squeeze. "Just nervous is all. Moving to new places always leaves me feeling uneasy at first, but I'm sure it'll pass."

Ben considered her with only warmth behind his gaze. "I have a couple conferences to tend to this afternoon that are last minute before the coronation tomorrow. And I'm sure my mother would be more than willing to show you around in the mean time, but tonight – it's just you and me. I promise."

The sincerity behind his promise was more than enough to evoke a beaming smile from her lips, knowing full well that he always held true to his words. Showing her thanks, she gently pressed her lips to his, cupping her hand to his cheek she caressed his freshly shaved skin with her thumb as Ben willfully returned the kiss.

"I'm holding you to that," she stated in affirmation while her lips grazed over his as she spoke.

Ben grinned deviously as his tone matched the supplication of hers. "And I can assure you that it will be well worth the wait."

The notion he suggested was surely enough to stimulate her into another state of arousal. Had the ship not already began to descend for its landing approach to their destination deep within the heart of Hanna City, Rey surely would have taken him up on his offer right then. Considering they were already a few hours late – no thanks to Ben rendering her into that of a more insensible state of mind earlier that morning – she was going to have to endure the pleasurable yearning for now.

When it came time to disembark from their ship, with her arm looped through Ben's that he had purposely offered, it was only then that she was able to get an initial glimpse of their prolonged home for the foreseeable future. From what she was able to see of it at the landing pad located just outside the palace's rear entrance it was more than apparent that the size of it substantially dwarfed the citadel in the country. Craning her neck back to have a better view she was able to catch sight of the towering heights of the palace's towers and connecting ramparts.

To the East of the platform was a great lake that engulfed a majority of the homestead's landscaping; its water so fresh and pure it nearly resembled a great mirror that easily depicted the reflections of surrounding trees and the cloudless blue skies. If she hadn't known any better Rey would've guessed it to be an enormous photograph lying beneath the water's surface. Had it not been for the city's building tops peaking just over beyond the tree summits she surely would've considered them still living within the countryside. Within its own uniqueness it was just as beautiful as the home they had just left.

"Master Ben!" Threepio greeted with his usual delightful tone, hindering their short-lived privacy. Rey turned to greet the familiar gold-plated droid, walking towards them. "It is so good to see you back. And Lady Rey – oh, I'm sorry I do remember you telling me -."

"Lady Rey is just fine, Threepio." Rey interrupted with a warm smile. "There's no need to apologize."

"Oh," Threepio replied shortly. "Well, Lady Rey, it is just as equally pleasant to see you here as well! I can quite assure you that your belongings will be brought promptly to your designated chambers in the East wing."

Before Rey had a chance to express her proper form of gratitude, Ben interrupted. "An Eastern chamber won't be necessary, Threepio." Ben stated with the intent to correct the droid's prior orders. "Ensure that they'll be delivered to one of the residing chambers near mine in the Western sector."

Rey quirked her brows in surprise towards Ben's unexpected rectification. The entire notion did make sense due to the sheer fact that Rey had been residing within Ben's chambers every evening for the past month. Surely her sharing chambers within the same sector as him wouldn't make much of a difference.

From her concealed stance not far behind Threepio, Leia stood silently regarding the exchange. She certainly hadn't been unaware of the substantial change in her son's and Rey's relationship. In fact, the topic of their engagement had been purposely brought up during one of the prior conversations via hologram with Ben. Given that his life was no longer being controlled by the curse's ticking clock he was all but dragging his feet when it came to broaching the inevitable question to Rey.

"Oh – I can certainly have that arranged, Master Ben." Threepio confirmed indifferently before he left to carry out his new orders. "It will be no trouble at all."

"You're late." Leia stated sharply. The revealing of her presence quickly diverted all present bodies' attention towards her vicinity as she stood with arms crossed and lips pursed to ensure she was less than enthusiastic of the fact that Ben was considerably late for his earlier meetings, which had quickly been rescheduled for later on in the day.

"Late – or were they early?" Ben retorted with a grunt in faux bemusement. "I was under the assumption that a king was to arrive precisely whenever he means to."

Exasperated, Leia rolled her eyes with a heavy irritated sigh. "If you expect anyone to take you seriously, Ben, then you need to treat this just as equally in return," she quipped with incense. "Those officials won't always be so patient and understanding. You're damn near lucky they were able to clear their schedules for a later meeting."

Rey snorted as she stood silently listening to the given exchange, noting the apparent scowl playing across Ben's face. Mirroring Leia's stance she quirked her brows knowingly in his direction. "See? I think I remember mentioning something along those lines earlier."

Ben cocked his head, perceiving her goading with a bemused look of hilarity. "Did you now?" He quipped with a devious smirk. "I don't recall you putting up much of a protest if I might add."

Rey felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment as she regarded the moment he was referring to. She huffed defiantly, abruptly crossing her arms over her chest as she pretended to ignore Ben's chuckle while forwarding her attention to the subtle cracks breaching the landing pad's cemented flooring.

Ben placed his hand reassuringly to the subtle curvature of her neck before providing a kiss to her forehead, further hinting the promise behind it. "Duty calls, unfortunately," he affirmed before begrudgingly taking his leave. "I'll see you this evening."

Unable to hold her grudge for long Rey nodded in acknowledgement to his words as she offered him a trivial smile, sad to see him go but all the more looking forward to that of another shared evening together.

"Now, just imagine sharing a living space with two men that hold the same quality of derisive pleasantry," Leia quipped lightheartedly. "Even the chambers of a palace feel relatively diminutive."

Rey acknowledged her words with a highly amused chuckle. "Honestly, it seems tedious to even consider. He certainly keeps me on my toes."

Leia snorted in response while nodding in agreement. "He is like his father in more ways than he's willing to admit. I'm certain of that." She affirmed with only sincere tenderness within her words as she cocked her head, gesturing for Rey to follow her inside. "It takes a strong woman to be able to handle these Solo men."

Rey laughed at that while crossing her arms in front of her to warm herself in the cool breeze that abruptly intersected them. While it was, indeed, late in the summer months the typically humid mornings were slowly giving way for the approaching cool periods of fall. Strands of her loosely-hanging hair whipped wildly to the side, unwarrantedly revealing to Leia the distinct blemish just below her neck and jaw line that she had frantically attempted to hide earlier.

A knowing expression crossed Leia's features as her earlier suspicions had now been confirmed. The unintended exposure all but rendered a sudden ambush of memories when she and Han had first confessed their love for one another. Days when delicate lines had inadvertently been crossed underneath the stars of the forest moon of Endor, resulting in the birth of their son within the later months to come. Without the intention to embarrass Rey, Leia attempted to delicately broach the subject subtly without accusation as she led them into the palace's interior.

"If I might ask, how have things been between you two since we last met?"

Rey smiled ingenuously without intently indulging too much of the intimate moments she and Ben had been sharing. She never was good at hiding such matters, and she hoped the subtle blush on her cheeks was well concealed beneath that her make-up.

"Even if we have to set time aside to be together at times, truthfully, I couldn't be happier than I am now with him. Actually -," she added with brows furrowed, "- it's hard to picture my life any differently."

Leia smiled warmly whilst considering her words over the matter as they strolled leisurely through the winding corridors to the palace's foyer. "I remember all too well what it's like to be young, and in love. And there are things I wish I had thought about that might've made Ben's childhood better had we been more prepared and settled before we had him."

Rey quirked her brows quizzically to Leia as she listened intently in regards to the subject that Leia was attempting to broach.

"I love my son, Rey." Leia affirmed ardently. "I love him dearly, but he was a surprise that had come at the worst possible time, and as a result neither I, nor my husband, knew or were well equipped to be parents. So much could have been avoided had we just been a little older – wiser even – and less entrenched in our careers when we had Ben."

At first, Rey remained ignorant of the meaning Leia was attempting to implore. But as her brain began to fully absorb Leia's words she blinked as realization of the fact that Leia somehow assimilated the idea that they were intimate with one another, which they were – kind of or getting there at least.

"Oh – um," Rey started as she fumbled over her words. Her lashes fluttered rapidly as she searched for the least self-conscious way to describe the status of their love life. "I mean, we actually haven't made it that far. But now that you mention it, I suppose there is a chance we never considered the consequences of where it's all heading."

Once the words had escaped her lips Rey felt the truth behind them. While the idea of marriage had yet to be discussed between them she hadn't even considered the idea of having children – until now. She never really had the need to consider the thought given the fact that she never had anyone care enough to initiate the topic of effects that lay beyond sexual undertakings. She was certainly not ready to become a mother, nor was she even assured that Ben really wanted children, considering his pastimes that may have hindered him from considering them.

"I just want you to be more aware of the options than I was at your age, Rey." Leia stated with only that of concern and warmth behind her eyes, in which Rey couldn't have been more grateful for to say the least. "And there are moments that can hinder our minds from seeing clearly beyond our desires. But if those should happen to occur there are ways to stay protected without feeling remorseful, which you shouldn't have to feel to begin with. It's a very emotional matter that shouldn't be taken lightly, especially when it's your first time with the one you love."

Rey considered her momentarily before issuing her a grateful smile and nodded in approval to what Leia was further implying. While they engaged further in discussion along their way to the medical center Rey allowed her eyes to take in the magnificence in which was the palace's interior.

When the countryside palace had taken on a warm and homey appearance this one had traded such for that of sleek elegance, and aristocratic charm. Their footsteps echoed across the russet and cream checker-tiled flooring throughout the loftiness of the lobby's elevated, domed ceiling. The natural lighting filtered through the numerous windows that were arched within their panes, illuminating the entire colossal in size chamber to its entirety. Ancient carvings resembling the figures of Jedi temple guards had been deeply engraved along the earthy texture of the granite stairwell and leading further up into the citadel's East and Western sectors.

Rey grinned excitedly as she felt her scavenger instincts rile up within her: coaxing and begging for her to explore furthermore what their new homestead had to offer. Perhaps, within that time, she would happen to come across a new library to lose herself in.

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The hours passed slower than a Hutt, attempting to glide its way through the bottomless snow banks of Hoth as Ben waited anxiously for his last meeting of the day to end. Watching the digital numbers of the clock hanging in the conference room appeared far more interesting than listening to the endless banter of the senators that met to further discuss the peace treaty with Arkanis.

While the tireless hours had been rather daunting as it appeared that they could never come to an agreement, the day had been surprisingly productive as terms had finally been settled with Arkanis' representative official, Lady Sindian. The date had been set the week after Ben's coronation for the signing of the document that would officially enforce the truce between the two worlds.

Now that the day was over Ben only wished that it had just begun as he made the dreadful hike up the stairwell that led to his chambers in the West wing; quickly going over every possible option in his head that could hinder him from the daunting destination.

For a brief moment he stopped just outside the door to Rey's chambers located just down the corridor from his own, considering the option of staying in her quarters rather than facing the demons that continuously plagued his thoughts, only to discover that his feet weren't obeying what his mind was ordering them to do as he somehow ended up in front of the bulky set of doors to his chambers. Swallowing the apparent lump, he closed his eyes to gather his wits.

He had to do this. Not for Rey. Not for his mother or any of the other members that resided within the palace's walls. He had to do it for himself.

Swallowing the heavy lump that had formed in his throat he sighed heavily, apprehensively reaching for the handles to push open the doors to his chambers.

Surprisingly, he discovered that not a thing had changed about them. In fact, as his eyes roamed over the antechamber, everything was exactly as it had been left before the day he fled ten years ago. Even his calligraphy set remained precisely on the center of the table that lie in central opposition to the stonework fireplace, including the sonnet he had been working on the morning that essentially led to that fateful evening. If Ben hadn't known any better he would've thought his mother believed all these years that, one day, he would come home.

A heavy huff of breath escaped his lips while he stared aimlessly; searching for something – anything that could give him that of a further peace of mind. As he made his way further left from the vicinity of the sitting area Ben unwarrantedly found himself standing in the same location, on the terrace outside his chambers, where he had killed his father.

His heart suddenly felt heavy as a wave of despondency and nostalgia came crashing over him. Only when he blinked did he realize the moisture that had been building behind his eyes came trickling down his cheeks as he promptly wiped them away with the arm of his sleeve, turning his hands to clenched fists promptly to his sides.

He had to get out of here. Anywhere sounded better than staying in these gods forsaken chambers, but before he could take a step away from the balcony to leave Rey appeared before him. Considering the concerned expression on her face it wasn't needed for her to ask what was wrong as everything that needed to be said was written on his face. His muscles and hands fell lax seeing her presence.

Only then did Ben realize he had been so busy being too wrapped up in the past that day that he hadn't taken the time to consider how beautiful she looked, adorned in a silver satin gown with a plunging neckline, and a split running up one side to her mid-thigh only made her legs appear seemingly longer. A sandy brown, sheer shawl draped over her shoulders as it flawlessly streamed to the floor. He noted how her hair gracefully settled over her shoulders. And the way she began to stand with poise in the complementary heels in which the straps elegantly clung to her ankles.

Despite everything Rey knew of him, and the monster he had once perceived himself to be, Ben still couldn't come to terms with the notion of how he managed to attain her affection. Even during times when he seemingly didn't think he deserved to have something so pure. She was his ray of light when he had been dithering for a decade in darkness. That was all he knew, and all he needed to know. But if there was the slightest chance that it were all a dream, he would undoubtedly kill whoever tried to wake him.

His jaw clenched as the words of an explanation tried to force their way from his mouth, but it was all the more certain that she deserved to know more of the truth.

"I murdered him right here." He admitted softly, feeling that irritating nerve twitch in his neck whenever a situation became uncomfortable. But as he watched her draw closer he only saw warmth and tenderness in her eyes.

Rey held his gaze as she cradled his face with her palms. "He would be proud of you right now, Ben. I believe that."

For a brief moment Ben was almost afraid to touch her, thinking that if there was the slightest chance for her to leave it would be now. But all that fear had been put to ease when she rose the remaining distance to gently press her forehead to his. A feeble sigh escaped his lips at the feeling of her closing the distance between them. His eyes clenched shut, marveling in only that of her touch as his hands gravitated to her waist.

"I spent so much time trying to hate him. But I just wish he was here."

"And he forgave you," Rey affirmed gently with assertiveness as she pulled away far enough to consider him. "Now you must forgive yourself. You lived too long cursed by your own actions, Ben. You've earned the right to move on now."

For reasons unknown there was something in that moment that prompted feelings of clemency and tranquility to course through him. Perhaps it was him finally acknowledging that she was right, or maybe it was something within The Force that enabled the hindering of his guilt into contentment. Either way, he welcomed it openly as he cradled that of her neck and jaw line between his palms, claiming her lips with his, Ben kissed her with only that of such tenderness he hadn't known he was wholly capable of until now.

Rey gripped the sides of his jacket tightly, securing him steadfast against her as her lips moved at ease with his. Pulling back ever so slightly she spoke with that of such tranquility Ben was almost certain he hadn't heard her if it wasn't for the feeling of her lips subtly grazing over his.

"Now about that promise you made me..."